Work begins on sports facilities in south Dublin park after years of local division

Impression of plans for the new sports facilities in Shanganagh Park, Shankill.

Impression of plans for the new sports facilities in Shanganagh Park, Shankill.

Work is now underway on the development of new sport and recreational facilities in Shanganagh Park, near Shankill, in south Dublin.

The plans for an 8.7-hectare site in the 36-hectare park met with significant opposition locally, when the project first received Part 8 approval in May 2022.

The High Court quashed the decision in a judicial review, forcing Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council back to the drawing board.

A public consultation organised by the council a year later attracted 1,107 valid submissions, of which 726 were in favour. Some 357 were opposed and others were neutral.

Submissions were also received from the National Monument Service, which noted there was evidence of significant archaeological features.

Following some amendments, subsequent plans included one full size/two half-size pitches, floodlights, netting, cages, wire fences, a running track, a basketball court and storage containers and were approved by a council vote in February 2024.

Impression of plans for the new sports facilities in Shanganagh Park, Shankill.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 15th August 2025

A community group attempted to raise funds to mount another legal challenge, at the crux of which was the belief that the heart of the park should be left alone and the existing pitches and facilities should be upgraded.

There were also concerns over traffic in the area, the increase in footfall, as well as the impacts for the remaining unspoiled green areas and habitats.

The overarching fear for a green space used widely for many leisure pursuits, was that that the council’s plans to redevelop the park would effectively see it become more a sports campus than a public facility.

That campaign has now been stood down, with the Save Shanganagh Park fundraising group stating in June that a compromise had been reached and the council had made improvements to the proposals which “better balance the competing needs of nature, the community, and sporty/non-sporty park users alike”.

The group pledged that unused funds (just over €2,000 was raised) will be redistributed to local community initiatives.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has now announced that the first phase of the scheme is underway, which “marks a major milestone in our efforts to enhance the park’s facilities to better support the diverse needs of our community and a growing local population”.

The upgrade will reimagine and reallocate spaces within the park to create a balanced environment for both passive and active users, while also protecting and enhancing biodiversity. This phase will focus on upgrading and consolidating sports amenities to meet the high demand from local clubs and sports enthusiasts and planned features include:

A full-size GAA pitch

A shared cricket and baseball area

A 100m sprint track

An upgraded pathway over the DART line for improved access and scenic viewing

New seating and expanded paths

Calisthenics equipment, a 3v3 basketball court, and play areas

The council said it was also committed to preserving the park’s natural and historical heritage and the main Bronze Age archaeological site will be protected in situ. The meadow area will also now be expanded, with additional tree and woodland planting.

Work is expected to be completed by August 2026.

Click here to read article